$104.6M in LAIRCM Defense Systems for NATO’s NE-3A AWACS Fleet
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $104.6 million firm-fixed-price, time and material contract for LAIRCM defensive systems to equip NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) fleet of NE-3A Sentry aircraft. The NE-3A fleet act as flying radar stations, directing aerial operations and providing an overall picture of activity in the air and on the sea. The contract also provides contract logistic support. Solicitations began September 2006, negotiations were complete November 2006, and work will be complete December 2009. At this time, $51.3 million have been obligated. The Headquarters 551st Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA issued the contract (FA8704-07-F-0001).
This Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program will defend aircraft against infrared missiles, and is comprised of 17 Group A kits, 7 Group B kits, 10 additional Group B kits without small laser transmitter assemblies, and supporting spares. The scope of the contract includes installation and checkout of the LAIRCM system in the first (trial aircraft, NL-1 at L-3 Com in Greenville, Texas) and second (kit proof aircraft, NL-2 at EADS in Manching, Germany). The LAIRCM System Group B line replaceable units are being procured as non-development item. Optional contract additions include enhanced built in test for sensor window heater, new electromagnetic emissions robust sensor design (if needed), flight test of sensor, and equipping to trainer cargo aircraft.